Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, claims he was detained by Israeli settlers armed with U.S.-made firearms during a visit to the West Bank.
Khanna and his team were surrounded by a group of West Bank settlers near the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta on Wednesday, according to his office.
The settlers were allegedly armed with American-made M4 machine guns, Khanna's office said.
When soldiers from the Israeli Defense Forces arrived, Khanna claimed they sided with the settlers.
The situation defused only after Israeli police officers arrived and dispersed the settlers and their vehicles blocking the U.S. congressional group's path, according to Khanna's office.
Khanna expressed outrage over the incident, stating, "If they will do this to an American congressman, imagine what is happening to Palestinian families who are just trying to live."
Khanna also praised David Brownstein of the American embassy for helping to rescue him and his team.
Khanna expects Israel to prosecute the violent settlers and IDF soldiers who detained American citizens.
The incident has reportedly altered Khanna's perspective on a potential U.S. presidential run.
Khanna, a frequent critic of Israel and potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, stated, "I'm strongly considering it, and I'm more resolved to consider it after this trip. We need a new moral direction in our party. A new moral vision that respects the dignity and human rights of people around the world."
The Israeli military has disputed Khanna's account, stating that troops and police officers intervened after receiving a report of settlers blocking vehicles near the village of Khirbet Zanuta.
According to the military, the troops dispersed the Israeli civilians and allowed the vehicles to continue on their way.
